Decent shmups for novice

[andykara2003]

I'm looking to get into shmups as I have a busy family situation so need games that I can jump into and out of easily. I wonder if anyone could help me? I'm looking for a couple of games that are easy to get into for the noob, are top tier in quality, have a save system or similar system that means I don't have to go back to the beginning every time, plays at full speed (either NTSC or 60Hz PAL mode), are playable on a CRT and goes full screen in 4:3. I'd rather a traditional old school look rather than the more modern stuff on the 360.

My older systems are: SNES, N64, Wii, Gamecube, Dreamcast (PAL), Megadrive, PS2 (PAL).

I'm only using 15Khz CRTs so can't play DC in 480p. I have Ikaruga on the GC, but I can't tate & I don't want to play in full screen. I'm tempted by Gradius V on PS2 but looks as if it might be a bit frustrating for novices.

Cheers :)

[To Far Away Times]

Thunderforce III. Game is so rad and on the easier side of things. You can select the stage order for the first half of the game too. You won't really need level selects for the back half of the game, its pretty smooth sailing with a few attempts. One of my all time favorite games with a killer soundtrack to boot.

[andykara2003]

Thanks, this looks awesome. Expensive though! Do you rate Ikaruga?

[DMC]

Yes, TF III, and Super Fantasy Zone maybe?
Otherwise, if you have a good lcd monitor, I'd consider getting a PC Engine mini (PC Coregrafx Mini) and get some great traditional, novice-friendly shmups like Soldier Blade, Super Star Soldier, Spriggan, Spriggan Mk II, plus a dozen others. Allows you to save as well.

[andykara2003]

Super fantasy zone - I have this game but haven't played it much yet, is it a classic?

[BulletMagnet]

Super Aleste/Space Megaforce on the SNES is a personal favorite, and not too challenging (on "Normal" at least), though it is somewhat on the long side. The SNES version of Gradius III is also pretty mild (thanks in no small part to the loads of slowdown); Axelay and UN Squadron/Area 88 might also be worth checking out on that system, though none have a save system like you mentioned, and I don't know if any play at 60 Hz.

I believe Shienryu Explosion on PS2 got a PAL release (under the name "Steel Dragon", I think?), that one's also pretty tame, though I seem to recall it was cut back from the original Japanese release somehow, someone else with firsthand knowledge will have to take over from there...

[PFG 9000]

If you have access to Jamestown, that might be a good option. It has a level save system. It's also really well made, and its pixel art is pretty great if that's your thing. It has a variety of difficulty options, although you'll need to clear levels at the higher difficulties if you want to see everything.

EDIT: Jamestown is on PC, PS4, Switch, Mac, & Linux.

[el_rika]

Well, i know you mentioned you preffer the older titles, but all Cave shmups on 360 are very novice friendly and are, needless to say, great games which can scratch the itch.

[To Far Away Times]

Thanks, this looks awesome. Expensive though! Do you rate Ikaruga?

I like Ikaruga a lot, really just about a perfect game.

For SNES my favorite shmup on the system is Axelay. Quite a looker for its time, with a sweet Konami soundtrack, and some very impressive visual tricks and bosses. It alternates between vertical and horizontal every other level.

And seconding the PC Engine library. It has a bunch of cool exclusive shmups that fit into this sort of blazing lazers / compile style that are a lot of fun. Blazing Lazers, Soldier Blade, Spriggan, Super Star Solider, Gate of Thunder and Lords of Thunder are all really cool. I'd say they are all are on the easier side of things except Super Star Soldier which I found a good bit harder.

[andykara2003]

Thanks loads guys, I put Space Megaforce & Axelay on my SD2SNES to avoid the exorbitant prices & am giving Ikaruga a try as well. That's me set for a while I think :)

[sunnshine]

Without wanting to get into it, I think there are maybe more shmuppy shmups (ie actually fun to play at the start) than Ikaruga to cut your teeth on.

[andykara2003]

Without wanting to get into it, I think there are maybe more shmuppy shmups (ie actually fun to play at the start) than Ikaruga to cut your teeth on.

Sorry PM’d you by mistake, meant to reply to you here:


For sure, I think you’re right. Also my CRT’s only 25” & I don’t want to tate - what do you reckon a more modern, ps2/GC/DC/360 shmup would be that fills the screen and has modern quality of life touches that make things more palatable for novices? I have a UK 360 - I was recommended a Japanese cave shooter here ages ago which I got, but it has young scantily clad girls in it. No way I would play one like that, my wife (& everyone else) would think me a bit weird! Supposed to be one of the top cave shooters but I can’t find the name in English on the box or in the manual. It does work in my 360 though, so maybe I have a region free unit, it’s been so long since I’ve used it

[sunnshine]

Without wanting to get into it, I think there are maybe more shmuppy shmups (ie actually fun to play at the start) than Ikaruga to cut your teeth on.

Sorry PM’d you by mistake, meant to reply to you here:


For sure, I think you’re right. Also my CRT’s only 25” & I don’t want to tate - what do you reckon a more modern, ps2/GC/DC/360 shmup would be that fills the screen and has modern quality of life touches that make things more palatable for novices? I have a UK 360 - I was recommended a Japanese cave shooter here ages ago which I got, but it has young scantily clad girls in it. No way I would play one like that, my wife (& everyone else) would think me a bit weird! Supposed to be one of the top cave shooters but I can’t find the name in English on the box or in the manual. It does work in my 360 though, so maybe I have a region free unit, it’s been so long since I’ve used it

No worries, I PMed you this back-

I know what you mean about the later Cave games, they're good but the theming is way off (same reason I got a refund on Sisters Royale on pc). I've got a modded 360 which opens up a load of Japanese-only stuff that previously would only have run on a Japanese 360. I like Under Defeat (360 version has a 'New Order' mode which is widescreen and optional twin-stick), Raiden IV is good and I'm currently into Shikigami No Shiro III. I'm only really familiar with DC and 360 stuff, I haven't delved into PS2 stuff mainly because PCSX2 was laggy (it's much better now).

[andykara2003]

Nice one :) I’ll look into it a bit more. Just looking for a modern gradius style horizontal shooter in 4:3, 480p/i. Gradius V on the PS2 sounds like it fits the bill and implants in 60Hz on my pal machine but apparently it’s pretty hard even on easy.

[Sumez]

If you don't already have it, I think Gradius III on SNES is one of the best in the series. IMO it's much easier and more approachable than Gradius V, but it's still a very satisfying clear.
You probably want to check out the Parodius games too, if you want more Gradius for your buck.
And in terms of just really good classic old school shooters for classic consoles like this, I think Fire Shark on MegaDrive is an absolute banger, and much more novice friendly than the balls-hard arcade version. But there's a new port of that coming up that includes the MD version as well, so in my world that supersedes it.

You're not really gonna get any shooters with a save system on any of the platforms you are mentioning btw. Though there are a few PS2 ports which come with a training mode that kinda scratch that itch. But I think most great shooters are also short enough that it doesn't matter much. When you can just take a quick 30 minute burst of practice every now and then, it's easy to fit into a busy adult life.

[Steven]

I think Fire Shark on MegaDrive is an absolute banger, and much more novice friendly than the balls-hard arcade version. But there's a new port of that coming up that includes the MD version as well, so in my world that supersedes it.

As a still somewhat beginning shooter myself with still less than a year of playing the genre seriously, yes, MD Same! is a great choice, and I think I read somewhere that the international Fire Shark Genesis/MD version is actually easier than Japanese MD Same! is. I actually found it too easy on normal, for that matter, but for absolute beginners, it should be good. Obligatory mention of Slap Fight MD, as well. I do love that game so much and it's so damn good.

[blazinglazers69]

Everything on my 1cc list to be honest lol

[davyK]

Note that shmups aren't cheap.......

SNES :
Firepower 2000 aka Super SWIV - it's tough but it's pretty straightforward and there's two ways to play. Playing the jeep is easier as the flying enemies won't crash into you.
Pop n Twinbee - very nice cute-em-up
Parodius - think the SNES got 3 of these. The 2nd and 3rd ones are a bit more forgiving as they don't enforce checkpoints.

Dreamcast (PAL):
Gunbird 2 - it's tough but you can turn the difficulty way down to match pretty much any skill level
Sturmwind - has a larger number of levels than usual and it's main mode saves your progress.

Megadrive
Super Fantasy Zone
Thunderforce III
Zero Wing

PS2
Taito Legends 1 & 2 : #2 has Gekirindan which is a nice meat and potatoes shmup
Gradius V is tough even on the lowest setting but it's still reasonably priced. Better than Gradius III+IV for certain which also got a horrific PAL port. Saves your progress.
RType Final - not to everyone's taste but its slow pace will help, and there's plenty of difficulty levels. I think this one saves your progress and you can practice individual levels in score attack mode. (You can also play RTypes for PS1 on the PS2)
Look out for the Namco packs for PS1 and PS2 - some older games on those - Xevious is the stand out game there.

[andykara2003]

Great advice here, thanks all.

Gradus 3 looks great - I put it and some others on my SD2SNES. I might have to stick with the SNES as I don't have the cash to spend on expensive games at the mo & it's the only flashcart I have.

Seems like there are some great shooters - I love the look of the cute-em-ups. I have Gokujou Parodius and Parodius da! Shinwa kara Owarai - does anyone know what the best of the SNES parodius games is?

Oh, I have Scrambled Valkrie - is that any good? Seems pretty fun & frenetic with good speed.

Edit: Thanks Davyk - I have pop n Twinbee & will get Firepower 2000. Thank god for flash carts!

[Sir Ilpalazzo]

This may not work for you because it's Genesis, which isn't one of the systems you have listed (though it should be pretty easy to install homebrew on your Wii and put a Genesis emulator on there, if you want to go that route) but I'd strongly recommend Elemental Master. Easily the best and most exciting entry-level shooter - low in difficulty without ever being boring, it has manic pacing and excellent level design throughout.

[donluca]

I'll never get tired of repeating this: Blue Wish Resurrection.

Yes, the graphics are ass and the music may be kinda cheese, but it's a perfect beginner shmup with one of the best difficulty curves across all of its stages.

And it's free: https://xxgameroom.itch.io

If you want a "more real" shmup, then Batsugun Special.

[Sumez]

This may not work for you because it's Genesis, which isn't one of the systems you have listed

He did though

[andykara2003]

I'd strongly recommend Elemental Master. Easily the best and most exciting entry-level shooter - low in difficulty without ever being boring, it has manic pacing and excellent level design throughout.

Looks stunning, love the look of this one. I do have a modded megadrive with a region selector but no flash cart & the game is super pricey on Ebay. Must get an everdrive for the MD at some point.

I'll never get tired of repeating this: Blue Wish Resurrection.
If you want a "more real" shmup, then Batsugun Special.

Both look awesome, thanks :)

[davyK]

Great advice here, thanks all.


Edit: Thanks Davyk - I have pop n Twinbee & will get Firepower 2000. Thank god for flash carts!

You are welcome.

Press SELECT at the firepower 2000 title screen instead of START. SELECT lets you choose between Jeep and Heli (and lets you start a 2 player game).

[sunnshine]

Aren't all Mega Drives region-free? I remember using an adapter to play Japanese games (Gaiares!!1!!) on my mk1 BITD but that only meant you didn't have to file the corners of the cart slot square to get them to fit. Genesis games just fitted and worked.

[Steven]

Aren't all Mega Drives region-free? I remember using an adapter to play Japanese games (Gaiares!!1!!) on my mk1 BITD but that only meant you didn't have to file the corners of the cart slot square to get them to fit. Genesis games just fitted and worked.

All Mega Drive variants have a region lock, but it's enabled at the software level at the choice of the developers or something, so only some games are region locked. Stuff released after 1993 or so generally has a higher chance of being locked. Notably, Sonic 3 is region locked, but Sonic & Knuckles isn't.

[sunnshine]

Aren't all Mega Drives region-free? I remember using an adapter to play Japanese games (Gaiares!!1!!) on my mk1 BITD but that only meant you didn't have to file the corners of the cart slot square to get them to fit. Genesis games just fitted and worked.

All Mega Drive variants have a region lock, but it's enabled at the software level at the choice of the developers or something, so only some games are region locked. Stuff released after 1993 or so generally has a higher chance of being locked. Notably, Sonic 3 is region locked, but Sonic & Knuckles isn't.

Ah, I see, thanks for that.

[Sumez]

Even that region lock can be easily defeated with a switch you can just solder on to the console's PCB though, to manually change its jumper settings.
Changing it will set it in 60hz mode too, to play games at correct speed.